Date:  March 25, 2003
Contact: Irene Cromer
(703) 791-8720

 The Gar-Field High School Marine Corps JROTC program has been chosen as one of two sites nationwide to participate in a recruitment video due for release later this year.  The video will showcase various aspects of the Marine Corps high school curriculum and will chart the experiences of Gar-Field students and MC JROTC instructors over the course of a typical school year.  The video is intended to spark interest in the program among middle school students deciding on a rigorous physical and academic high school experience and to recruit qualified Marine retirees as instructors as this popular program grows nationwide.  

Gar-Field was chosen from a pool of over 400 schools for their record of excellence and achievement in the MC JROTC leadership education curriculum.  The four-year-old program has 131 students from all grade levels in the Corps of Cadets and will graduate its first group of seniors this June.  Under the direction of Major Alyce Smith and Gunnery Sergeant Lester James, the Gar-Field MC JROTC program has grown from a fledgling endeavor in 1999 to a popular programming option among upcoming middle school students in eastern Prince William 
County.  

“Students choose to come to Gar-Field to participate in this program,” Major Smith commented, “They are students interested in a career in the military, in the demands of our leadership education classes, or in the physical and disciplinary requirements expected of them for success.”

The video production, taking place on campus this month, will showcase Gar-Field students and instructors working through the leadership education curriculum, participating in inspections, physical training, flag raising and ceremonial presentations, and daily drills.  Smith, the first female Senior Marine Instructor certified nationally, says, “Our students work hard, and we are very proud of their achievements these past four years.  The opportunity to be a part of this video is a feather in Gar-Field’s cap.”  

The Gar-Field Corps of Cadets can be seen at numerous activities and athletic events, presenting the colors or escorting fans or audience members to their seats.  They raise the flag every morning, organize for inspection in the main lobby, and remain one of Gar-Field’s most visible and popular programming options.